Durva Grass and Its Special Role in Ganesha’s Worship

During a big festival in Dharmapuri, many gods, sages, and heavenly beings gathered to celebrate. Among them was Yama, the god of death, who was always known for being disciplined.

At this festival, the beautiful apsara Tilottama, a celestial dancer, was performing for everyone. While she was dancing, her upper dress accidentally slipped off, which made her feel very embarrassed. Yama, who was known for his discipline, acted against his nature and stared inappropriately at her, overcome momentarily by distraction. This uncharacteristic behavior caused Yama to feel ashamed, and he quickly left the festival with his head lowered.

However, Yama's lapse led to even more problems. The impurity in Yama's mind created a very dangerous and fiery demon. This demon was born with intense anger and became highly destructive. All the gods, sages, and heavenly beings became scared and did not know what to do.

To deal with this crisis, the gods sought the help of Lord Vishnu, who then directed them to Ganesha. Ganesha appeared in the form of a child, symbolizing innocence and purity, and confronted the demon. Without hesitation, Ganesha swallowed the demon entirely. However, even after Ganesha consumed the demon, the fire from the demon continued to burn inside him. Despite many attempts by the gods to cool down the fire—using revered items known for their calming influence such as the moon, Siddhi and Buddhi who fanned him, lotuses, and even a snake—none of these efforts succeeded. It was only after the gods offered twenty-one blades of Durva grass that the fire inside Ganesha finally cooled down, as Durva grass absorbed the fiery energy, symbolizing its power to soothe even the fiercest of forces.

This miraculous legend highlighted the power of Durva grass as a sacred offering. Ganesha himself declared that without the use of Durva grass, any worship offered to him would be incomplete. He emphasized that Durva grass carries a spiritual potency that surpasses even great yajnas, vratas, and tapas. The story demonstrates that, although Durva grass is a humble and simple offering, it has the power to please Lord Ganesha like no other, making it an essential part of his worship.

Significance of Lord Ganesha's Form as a Child

Form of Innocence and Playfulness: Ganesha appeared as a child, showing innocence and playfulness. His appearance reassured the gods and sages and diffused tension. Despite looking vulnerable, Ganesha possessed immense power.

Symbol of Purity: Ganesha’s child form symbolized purity and divine grace. It contrasted with the impurity of the fire demon. This contrast highlighted how purity can overcome negativity.

Faith and Devotion: Ganesha's child form taught the importance of faith. True power does not always appear intimidating. Inner purity and divine power are the key to overcoming evil. The gods learned that faith in Ganesha, even in his childlike form, leads to victory.

The form of Ganesha as a child reminds us that purity, innocence, and faith are more powerful than any intimidating force. The gods learned that divinity, even in a humble form, holds immeasurable power.

Ramaswamy Sastry and Vighnesh Ghanapaathi